It has been a tremendous privilege to serve in this parish for the last 12 years, and the love and joy and fun that we’ve had has meant we have been very reluctant to move on. However, we’ve realised that it is now best for us and the parish that we retire and move to our flat in Southwold. Consequently, we’ve written to the Bishop and will be retiring on the 4th February.

We’ve chosen this date carefully, to ensure that clergy with children who want to move during the summer holidays and also curates reaching the end of their training will be able to apply. There is a meeting on 30th October at St George’s at 7.15pm, where Martin Breadmore, our archdeacon, will explain what will be happening and answer any questions. We’re hoping that there will be a new Rector here by September, but there are lots of hurdles to jump over between now and then.

We have a PCC Standing Committee next week to start the planning process, after which we will set up various teams to get us into a good position to see you through the vacancy. There are lots of areas where we currently do things, where others will need to take the reins. Everyone will need to step up during the vacancy to ensure the smooth running of the parish.

We will miss you lots, obviously. We have felt God’s call to this parish very strongly and we are very grateful that God brought us here. We now feel God’s call to leave. Thank you for your love and support. Over the next few months, let us seek God’s will and continue to grow in faith and of course, have fun.

Rev’ds Lesley and Alan Crawley